Vietnam’s highlands offer an amazing insight into the country’s diverse ethnic groups, combined with geographical beauty and historical significance. We explore the largest natural lake in Vietnam, Ba Be and visit the surrounding national park, where we will possibly encounter some native wildlife. From the serenity of the North East, we then travel to the Central Highlands, home to the Tay, H’Mong, Dzao and Lolo minority groups. This region is quite remote and offers a fascinating insight into rural Vietnam. Da Lat, in the Southern Highlands is a secluded, picturesque alpine getaway, retaining its French colonial charm. It was a place that catered to emperors and foreign dignitaries alike. Stay in the last Emperor’s holiday estate and enjoy a highland experience in Vietnam.
- 12 nights hotel accommodation as below listed or similar.
- 1 night on board in Ha Long Bay.
- 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 6 dinners.
- Modern, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.
- Boat cruises in Ba Be Lake, Ha Long Bay.
- Entrance fees as stated in the tour program.
- Local English or French speaking guide in the North, Centre and the South.
- International flight.
- Domestic tickets Hanoi - Da Nang - Buon Ma Thuot
- Any meals, drinks other than specified.
- Tips/ gratuities and personal expenses.
Dinner
We are welcomed at Noi Bai airport and then transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, we gather for a tour briefing and then it’s out to enjoy a performance of Vietnam’s unique water
puppetry.
Breakfast - Lunch
This day tour provides an introduction to the history of Vietnam. We spend the morning visiting the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, and the ancient Temple of Literature, where you will learn about the the historical and cultural events that have shaped Vietnam. In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnologic museum, followed by an exhilarating, hour long cyclo tour through the bustling Old Quarter. A walk through its exciting streets is a fascinating introduction to the different lifestyles of Vietnam, and an opportunity to shop for bargains. To finish the day, we attend the performance of the unique water puppetry.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Leaving Hanoi, we journey through the northern mountainous areas to countryside of lush fields and tea plantations, with stops en route to stroll through local villages with their picture perfect scenery. We reach Ba Be where we spend the night.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
As one of Viet Nam’s finest national parks, Ba Be is famous not only for its rich fauna, flora and beautiful lake, but also for being a place of peace and tranquility. We spend time exploring the lake, bird watching by canoe, and visit Tay and Nung minority tribe villages. A visit to Dau Dang waterfall and the steps to the Puong Cave is a fitting finale to this interesting day.
Breakfast - Lunch
After a late breakfast, we return to Hanoi by car, arriving in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free for shopping in the old quarter or relaxing at your hotel.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
This morning we leave Hanoi by road for Ha Long Bay, enjoying the timeless scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and daily life of the countryside. On arrival in Ha Long, we board a beautifully appointed wooden junk. A sea food lunch will be served as we cruise among the hundreds of islets in the Bay. Our cruise takes us to Sung Sot Cave to witness a splendid sunset. Overnight on boat.
Breakfast - Lunch
Continue to explore Luon Cave by a small motor or rowing boat. After breakfast, we leave the cruise and depart for Bac Ninh Province to learn more of Vietnam’s history and culture. We enjoy the traditional Quan Ho Folk song show. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Da Nang and drive to Hoi An.
Breakfast - Lunch
A full day tour in Hoi An includes the ancient Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi An museum. In the afternoon, walk in the old town, soak up the atmosphere and maybe shop for tailor-made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relax in one of the many cafes.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Today is free for shopping or relaxing. In the evening we fly to Buon Ma Thuot where we will visit the biggest coffee plantations in Vietnam.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Today enjoy an elephant ride to the picturesque village of Don. The villages of this area are overwhelmingly friendly and are happy to sell their handicrafts and products to the visitors. In the afternoon we visit the local museum.
Breakfast - Lunch
Today we are off to Da Lat, a city called The town of Eternal Spring, a charming old French hill station. Passing coffee plantations and pine forests, we arrive in picturesque Da Lat. On the way we explore the Prenn Falls, the Thousand Flowers Valley and enjoy Da Lat’s fresh mountain air and admire its old French villas.
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning we visit the Tuyen Lam Lake, Truc Lam Pagoda and the Valley of Love before, descending from this cool, alpine city to the southern provincial capital of Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the locals still call it.
Breakfast - Lunch
Today we will have the opportunity to visit the controversial War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, historic Notre Dame Cathedral and the post office. In the afternoon, we will visit Thien Hau Pagoda and the busy market of Cho Lon. Explore historic Dong Khoi Street, now the city’s most upscale shopping boulevard with classy boutiques selling clothes and accessories by Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and house wares. Don’t miss Ho Chi Minh City’s atmosphere by night. This city lives up to its exciting and often mischievous reputation.
Breakfast
After breakfast you have free time to maybe take stroll through the city or last minute shopping before your transfer to the airport for our onward flight, taking all the memories of an amazing Vietnam experience.